Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Riviera Bermuda Rough Conversion

After months of planning, the Riviera Bermuda Project has officially begun.  On Tuesday we began spraying out the existing rough in the areas that we will be seeding to Riviera Bermuda. Over the next few days we will continue working our way through the course until all areas have been treated with Roundup. 

Treating Rough on #3.

 As the turf begins to die, you may be surprised by the amount of Fescue we will continue to maintain in the rough.  The areas in the rough that are not being treated are defined by the shade from bordering trees as well as lack of irrigation.  Without adequate sunlight and water, we cannot successfully grow in the Bermuda.The orange lines you may have seen on the outer edges mark the point that we will be killing to. 

During the times that we are spraying the course we are being extra cautious to avoid spraying too close to golfers.  We are maintaining enough space between groups to allow for complete drying of the herbicide.  The products we are spraying are common herbicides, however, it is important for you to be aware of what we are doing.  

Over the next month and a half we will continue to treat the course on 2-3 week intervals until all of the existing turf is killed. The course will have a patchwork appearance of dying turf over the next few weeks based on the timing of when the turf was treated. Following the kill we will begin prepping for seeding on July 7th.
 
Killing half the course during the prime golfing season is not a decision we take lightly.  The project is driven by an improved long term playability, but more importantly we are working diligently to reduce our water usage throughout the property.  The 7.5" current precipitation deficit is a strong reminder of the need to conserve our water.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work through the improvements.